Dressed in a floral two-piece bathing suit on Sunday, Massachusetts native Barbara Clark sat on a bar stool at Tony’s with her back to the sun.

She had author Deborah Harkness’ fantasy novel Shadow of Night in her hand and a bottle of Amstel in front of her.

Ms. Clark has visited the Virgin Islands annually for three decades and has frequented the bar, which used to be called Stanley’s, on each visit.

“I’m almost a belonger,” Ms. Clark joked. “The first time we came here, we stayed at Sebastian’s on the Beach. “The ambience here is very special, and the people too. The people in the BVIs are generally very special and nice people anyways.”

Nearby, Antonio Henley, the owner of the restaurant and bar, sat inside watching patrons make their way in and out of the beachfront establishment.

The restaurant sees more return customers each year, Mr. Henley said.

“Each time they come, I tell them, ‘Welcome home, this is your home away from home,’” he said, adding, “You have to show people you appreciate them. If you are in a business with a long face, it won’t work.”

Mr. Henley has worked at the restaurant for decades, he said.

“This place used to be called Stanley’s. I worked with [former owner Stanley Hart] from the time I was a little kid,” Mr. Henley said. “After school, I always came back and worked around the area. I would pick up cans and bottles.”

Mr. Henley moved on to perform other restaurant duties as he grew older, he added.  

“After Hurricane Marilyn in 1995, we lost the front section of the roof. He replaced it and when we were getting ready to open up, he said he didn’t have any interest in running the place anymore,” Mr. Henley said. “He said he was going to turn over the place and thought I could handle it. I asked him if he was sure about that and he said yes. I’ve been here since then.”

Since the restaurant changed hands, the menu has changed as well, Mr. Henley said, adding that he finally changed the establishment’s name last year.

“When we started, I used to fight with him to change the menu. It was just chicken leg, lobster and fish — oldwife fish, which we call the triggerfish. This one lady used to always ask if we don’t have hot dogs,” Mr. Henley recounted. “He would send back a rude answer and ask her if her husband doesn’t have a hot dog. When I came I added the hot dog and many more.”

Mr. Henley runs the restaurant with the help of his wife and three sons.

“I don’t complain at all. I’ve learned from the old people to always say thank you for everything, whether it’s little or great,” Mr. Henley said. “I don’t have no stress.”

 

Tony’s

WHERE: Cane Garden Bay, at the location of the former Stanley’s
SERVING: Local fare
PRICES: Lunches and dinners range from $7-$45
CLAIM TO FAME: Stanley’s Special Rum Punch
HOURS: 10 a.m. until  
MIXED DRINKS: $4-$7

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